The TxDOT Traffic Safety Division in El Paso is partnering with Whataburger and the El Paso Police Department to offer car seat checks at five locations.
“This community outreach is another example of how TxDOT is working to achieve its goal of zero fatalities on Texas Roadways by 2050,” said TxDOT El Paso District Engineer Tomás Treviño. “This goal was recently adopted by the Transportation Commissioners at their May 30 meeting. Ten people are killed every day on average on roads in Texas. Residents across the state can play a critical role in ending deaths with simple habits like securing children correctly in the appropriate seats.”
Each car seat check will take place at a selected Whataburger from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Texas residents are encouraged to show up early as technicians at the event will assist attendees on a first come, first served basis.
The TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist and other certified CPS technicians will be on-hand to provide education on proper use and correct installation of car seats. Residents must bring their child and/or children along with the car seat or booster seat the child is currently using.
“Child safety checks like these in the community are invaluable for caregivers. According to The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are a leading cause of death for children 14 years old and younger. We encourage parents to take the time to come see us to ensure proper use of their child’s car seat,” said TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Monica O’Kane. “We can help prevent many common mistakes and help potentially save a life.”
NHTSA research also shows 325 children under the age of 5 were saved by car seats in 2017; 37% of children killed in car crashes in 2017 were unrestrained, and in 59% of cases children’s car seats are used incorrectly.
Scheduled car seat safety checks:
- Friday, July 26: Whataburger, 131 S. Americas Ave., 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
- Friday, August 2: Whataburger, 13910 Horizon Blvd., 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
- Friday, August 16: Whataburger, 4640 Transmountain, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
- Friday, September 6: Whataburger, 650 Sunland Park Dr., 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
- Saturday, September 21: Whataburger, 1300 Airway Blvd., 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
This is the first time TxDOT locally is partnering with Whataburger. For more details on child safety, click here.
